Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has solicited the corporation of the military in Rivers to move the state forward.
This is as he warned top military officers in the state against allowing themselves to be used by politicians.
Wike, while receiving the New General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, General Felix Agugo, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House Port Harcourt, on Friday, noted that if the military were to restrict themselves to their security duties, the country would be better for it.
According to him, security agencies have a responsibility to protect lives and property.
The Governor assured that his administration would continue to support the military to improve the security architecture, promising that he would never approach the military or any head of the security agencies in the state to do what is wrong.
“Why nobody has been able to defeat us is that our hands are clean. I will never call you to release an arrested criminal, cultist or kidnapper. If anyone who is working with me seeks such favour, inform me.
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“We must work together to move the state forward,” Wike said.
He however cautioned the military to be wary of politicians and their promises saying: “Don’t allow politicians to use you. Otherwise, they will use and dump you. They will tell you that they will make you this or that, but at the appropriate time, all their phones would be switched off.
“Do the right thing and the society will move forward”.
The Governor thanked the Nigerian Army for restoring security in the Ogoni speaking area of the state saying that there was a need to “initiate awards for performing officers to encourage them to continue to work.”
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Felix Agugo thanked the Rivers State Governor for his support in the operations of the
Nigerian Army in the State.
He said: “I must place on record that I have inherited a Division that is grateful to the Government of Rivers State for your support for our operations and sustenance.
“I bring you the appreciation of the Chief of Army Staff for the good things that the Army has received from the Rivers State Government”.
He also commended the Rivers State Governor for setting up the Operation Sting Security Outfit which he said complements the efforts of the Nigerian Army in security improvement.
“We promise you that the investment you are making to enhance security will not be in vain. We will ensure that you achieve the security that you desire,” he said.
He said that he was at the Government House Port Harcourt to pay his respects to the Rivers State Governor as the host of the Headquarters of the 6 Division.
